CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

In case you missed it, the City Council recognized the following organization and individuals at their March 18, 2019 meeting.

GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

In March 2019, the City of San Fernando was honored to join a new business in celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

METROLINK SAFETY AND SECURITY UPDATE

At the March 18, 2019 City Council meeting, Metrolink staff provided a presentation regarding pedestrian safety and technology available to enhance safety at rail/pedestrian crossings. During the presentation, Metrolink included statistics related to number of incidents involving Metrolink trains in 2018, including San Fernando specific data. Councilmembers provided feedback regarding potential safety improvements, including safety signage at each gated crossing, quiet zones in the City, and functionality of the ticketing machine at the Sylmar station. Metrolink took note of the comments and will work with the City to address some of the issues.

Following the City Council meeting, Metrolink staff advised that the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) availability/performance at the Sylmar/San Fernando Station was 97% for the period between March 5, 2018 and March 5, 2019 (the baseline systemwide is 95%).

SAN FERNANDO EDUCATION COMMISSION FOURTH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY

On May 21, 2019, the San Fernando Education Commission will hold its Fourth Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Las Palmas Park. Over $5,000 in scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 will be presented to 11 students who live or attend school in San Fernando or are currently enrolled in a community college or four-year university. Special thanks to Vice Mayor Ballin who raised and/or donated funds via the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation and the Independent Cities Finance Authority. Both Mayor Fajardo and Vice Mayor Ballin also donated via their Community Investment Funds. In addition, scholarship funds were provided by Republic Services Inc., Education Commission Chair Govea, and other private donors. Scholarships are given to honor the memory of Elias Rodriguez and Gabriel Fernandez. This year, a new category, Why Not You?, was included for students that may not have had traditional academic success in high school (below a 3.0 GPA) and plan to attend college.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY VOTING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL PEOPLE

In 2020, as part of the full implementation of the Voting Solutions for All People initiative, Los Angeles County is implementing a new voting experience. The new model utilizes vote centers located throughout the County where voters can cast their ballot at any location over an 11-day voting period.

In preparation for the new voting experience, the County completed a Vote Center Placement Project (VCPP). The goals of the VCPP are to:

In late April 2019, the County will kick-off the second round of vote center community meetings. A complete list of dates, times and locations will be available soon.  

To view an interactive map of the locations that have been requested, or to check on the status of a proposed location, visit Los Angeles County Vote Center Sites. Those interested in suggesting a vote center location, may email [email protected].  

To learn more about VCPP, visit http://vsap.lavote.net/vote-center-placement-project/. 

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS, THROUGH FEBRUARY 2019

Data provided below describes efforts in code enforcement and graffiti abatement for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 to date (July 2018 to February 2019).

CITATIONS BY TYPE

Illegal Converted/Habitable Garage

Illegal Second Unit

Building Code Violation

Property Maintenance

Commercial/Inoperable Vehicle

Business License/Occupancy

Illegal Signage

Vehicles Parked on Unpaved

NPDES (Unlawful Deposits)

Accessory Dwelling Units

Animal Control

Walls and Fences

Graffiti

Inspection Upon Resale

Other

Total Citations: Month & Year

Valuation of Cites Billed

Graffiti Square Foot Coverage

February 2019

2

0

7

17

0

25

10

1

1

0

0

0

8

0

8

79

$1,595

4,774

Total FY 2018-2019

28

1

115

106

0

104

31

3

2

0

6

0

8

11

38

453

$11,743

20,274

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

On March 4, 2019, the Commission swore in a new Commissioner, Hector Pacheco, Sr., a longtime resident of San Fernando and entrepreneur trained as an electrician and general contractor. Mr. Pacheco has been an active member of the San Fernando community for the better part of his life. His technical knowledge and understanding of the local community will prove vital in his service as a Commissioner.

On April 3, 2019, the Commission considered the following projects at their regular meeting:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WELCOMES THREE PLANNING INTERNS

In March 2019, the Community Development Department welcomed three new Planning Interns to the team. Please join the City in welcoming them all!

WELCOME BRANDON LOPEZ, GRAFFITI ABATEMENT SPECIALIST

The Community Development Department welcomes Brandon Lopez, who now serves as the City’s first response to eliminating graffiti on public property throughout San Fernando. Prior to his new role, Brandon joined the City’s Public Works Department Operations Divisions in 2018 as a Maintenance Helper. We’re lucky to have Brandon join our team!

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 BUDGET PROCESS

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-2020 Budget process officially kicked-off on March 4, 2019, when staff gave a presentation reviewing the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY 2017-2018 (a copy of the presentation is available via the City's website  WWW.SFCITY.ORG), an update to the FY 2018-2019 Budget, and a preliminary outlook for the FY 2019-2020 Budget. Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:

MEASURE A COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

On November 19, 2018, the City Council approved the formation of a Measure "A" Community Advisory Committee to review the Annual Measure "A" Report and provide general recommended budget priorities for the use of Measure "A" funds during the annual budget process.

The committee will be made up of two residents, up to two business owners, up to two labor representatives, and one at large member. The Committee is expected to meet at least twice per year. Anyone interested in serving the community on the Measure "A" Community Advisory Committee is encouraged to apply. Applications can be found on the City website ( http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/commissions-boards/).

SIGN UP FOR AUTOPAY FOR YOUR WATER BILL

Simplify your life and avoid late fees at the same time by signing up for AutoPay and have your Water Bill debited from your account automatically. For more details, contact the Finance Department at 818.898.1245.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

As a reminder, all of the City's financial reports, including annual budgets, audited financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, and the Measure A Annual Report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG).

SAN FERNANDO IS HIRING; JOIN OUR TEAM!

Have you thought about a career where you can be involved in serving the community and helping others?

Applications are currently being accepted for full-time Police Officer, as well as for part-time Junior Cadet, Day Camp Counselor, Recreation Leader I and II, and Finance Intern. Filing for all the positions are open until filled. Recruitment for Director of Finance and Director of Public Works will begin soon, with the job flyer and Ads being posted in May 2019. Appointment of a new Director is expected to be made by September 2019. Filing for all the positions vary, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Visit the City website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG) to view the job bulletins and download a City Employment Application.

ROBBERY/GRAND THEFT ARREST

In late December 2018, a male suspect entered the Home Depot, located at 12960 Foothill Blvd, took $1,700 worth of tools and attempted to exit the business without paying for the merchandise. A store employee contacted the suspect, but he refused to return the tools and threatened the employee with a Taser gun and bodily harm. The store employee followed the suspect to his awaiting vehicle, took a picture of the vehicle and license plate, and later gave that information to the responding Officers. 

Responding Officers attempted to locate the suspect and his vehicle and met with negative results. Through expert investigative techniques, Detective Cervantes identified the suspect and the witness also positively identified him as the suspect via a photo lineup. 

In February 2019, the Detective Division located and arrested the suspect for robbery. The suspect was also wanted in connection in multiple other grand thefts and robberies in the City of Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley.

FELONY ASSAULT ARREST

On February 28, 2019, Officer Esquivel was assigned a radio call of a battery investigation of a victim that was punched in the face by an unknown male adult. The case was assigned to Detective Cervantes, who re-interviewed the victim. After obtaining the victim's medical records, which revealed that she sustained dramatic injuries to her face, the case was escalated to a felony. The suspect was later identified, located and arrested by Officer Esquivel.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT OPERATION NETS FOUR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) ARRESTS

On March 17, 2019, the Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) conducted citywide enforcement to combat impaired driving. The operation was conducted between the hours of 6 pm and 2 am with five TEU members including Sergeant Aguirre, Detective Torres, Field Training Officer Pak, and Officers Najera and Licea. As a result, four individuals were arrested for DUI, three citations were issued including unsafe speed, minor in possession of alcohol and a stop sign violation, and four vehicles were stored/impounded for unlicensed driver and driver arrested.

ATTEMPT TO STOP RACING MOTORCYCLES LEADS TO PURSUIT AND ARREST OF MAN WITH A GUN

On March 1, 2019, at approximately 5 am, Officer Najera was on patrol in the area of Hubbard Ave and Glenoaks Blvd. Officer Najera observed two motorcycles speeding and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. One of the motorcycles slowed in an attempt to block Officer Najera from the other motorcycle which increased its speed. Officer Najera was able to catch up to the second motorcycle and the rider failed to yield to her emergency lights and sirens. A pursuit was initiated by Officer Najera and Officer Esquivel and Sergeant Aguirre assisted. After speeding on the wrong side of the road and on various sidewalks, the rider slowed and jumped off of the motorcycle. Officers attempted to place him under arrest however he refused to obey their commands and repeatedly placed his hands in the area of his waistband. Officers deployed a Taser and were able to effect the arrest. Once handcuffed, Officers located methamphetamine and a loaded handgun in his waistband. A DMV check revealed that the motorcycle was stolen and the rider had a felony warrant for his arrest for domestic violence.  Outstanding work by Officers Najera, Esquivel and Sergeant Aguirre.

RESPONSE TO BURGLARY ALARM ACTIVATION REVEALS SUSPECT INSIDE OF BUSINESS

On February 3, 2019, at 2:25 am, Officer Brittany Najera was dispatched to a burglary alarm at the T-Mobile store on Glenoaks Boulevard; Officer Esquivel and Sergeant Aguirre responded to assist. Upon their arrival, responding Officers observed that pieces of the business's ceiling were disturbed, as well as the suspect inside the store. A perimeter was formed and the business owner was contacted to provide access to the business. Officers entered the business, but were not able to locate the suspect. They determined that he was most likely on the roof and obtained a ladder to gain access. Once on the roof, Officers located the suspect hiding behind the air conditioning unit. The suspect was arrested without incident and charged with burglary. Excellent response and arrest by Officers Najera and Esquivel and Sergeant Aguirre.

STOP OF BICYCLIST WITHOUT LIGHTS LEADS TO DISCOVERY OF ILLEGAL CASINO

On February 8, 2019, at 9 pm, Officers Esquivel and Willmont stopped a man riding a bike without a headlight in the 1400 block of San Fernando Rd. The rider saw the officers, failed to stop as ordered, rode his bike to an adjacent business, and ran inside despite officers ordering him to stop. Officers gave chase and followed the rider into the business and observed multiple known San Fer gang members inside. Once inside the business, Officers observed multiple computer stations and individuals seated in front of them and one individual alerted the patrons of the police presence and to shut off (or break) the computers.

Officers detained the original bicyclist and requested additional units. As additional officers arrived, the occupants of the business were ordered out and a search warrant was obtained. A total of 11 individuals were arrested and charged with gambling, narcotics possession and various warrants.  Excellent observation by Officers Esquivel and Willmont!

GLENOAKS PACOIMA WASH BRIDGE UPDATE

In December 2018, the City submitted a City Service Request to Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW) to conduct a feasibility study and develop recommendations with cost, for enhancing the existing barriers on the Glenoaks Boulevard Bridge to improve pedestrian safety. As part of the feasibility study, LACPW was asked to examine site constraints such as right-of-way, existing bridge member capacities, existing utilities, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. LACPW completed the study and proposed two alternatives.

Based on the two alternatives recommended by LACPW, the City Council approved Alternative 2, which calls for bolting a Caltrans Type 7 Chain link railing to the side of the existing deck without modifying the existing steel barrier. Holes would need to be drilled at regular intervals into the side of the deck. Threaded stainless steel reinforcing rods would be inserted into the holes and bonded with a chemical adhesive. The threaded rods would then be used then be used to secure plates upon which posts for the Caltrans Type 7 Chain link railing would be welded. This new fencing would increase pedestrian safety in a quick and economical way, without significant impact to traffic during construction.

GLENOAKS SEWER AND WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

As part of the City’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2019 Budget, the City Council approved the Glenoaks Sewer and Water Improvements Project, which involves the installation of new sewer and water lines. Additional work includes manholes, laterals, sewer bypass, CCTV camera inspection, water services and meters, sewer tap, and miscellaneous concrete work. The design for this project has been completed and the City Council recently approved the award of the contract to the low bid contractor. The construction work on this project is expected to start in late April 2019.

CDBG PROJECT - SAN FERNANDO ROAD

Excel Paving started work on the 2018-2019 CDBG Project – San Fernando Road (between S Huntington St and San Fernando Mission Blvd) which includes removal and replacement of sidewalk, access ramps and repaving of the street. Ficus trees along the stretch of the project had to be removed due to disease. Work is scheduled to be completed in early April 2019.

LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING

On February 4, 2019, the City Council approved initiating the proceedings for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (LLAD) and ordered the Engineer’s Report. The LLAD is an assessment on each parcel to pay for the operation of streetlights throughout the City. The Engineer’s Report will be presented to City Council on May 6, 2019 and the public hearing is scheduled for June 20, 2019.

YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE: WINTER 2019 CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

On March 23, 2019, six teams played for the Youth Basketball League Championship. Congratulations to the Champions:

FAMILY HIKE TO POINT DUME

The Recreation and Community Services Department arranged a Family Hike event to Point Dume, in Malibu, on March 9, 2019. The free event was sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association. Approximately 50 participants registered to attend the hike which included transportation, a guided tour and lunch. Hikers reported whale and dolphin sightings. The weather was beautiful and all had a wonderful time.

LAS PALMAS CLUB MONTHLY DANCE

The Las Palmas Club will hold their Spring Dance on Saturday, April 20, 2019, from 7 pm to 12 am, at Las Palmas Park. Come and dance the night away to live music and enjoy raffles and door prizes at the Las Palmas Park gymnasium.  Ticket Cost: $15 for Club Members; $20 for Non-members. Contact Las Palmas Park for more information: 818.898.7340.

ELDERLY NUTRITION PROGRAM ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION

The Elderly Nutrition Program held a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Day on March 15, 2019, at Las Palmas Park. Participants enjoyed delicious treats, music and several raffles.